Audio Technica ATR-55 Condenser Shotgun Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently purchased this microphone, hoping to improve the audio picked up by my Canon GL1's built-in microphone. The price was good, the reviews seemed to lean a little more on the positive side, so I decided to bite. I assumed quality of the audio would be better, that it would filter out surrounding noise more efficiently, and that it would make my videos sound more professional.It also may be of note, that I planned on using this mic with a lot of handheld camera work, which you may or may not do. Well, it seemed to offer little to no performance upgrade from the camera's mic.To be fair though, the GL1 doesn't offer a lot of control over audio levels, so your milage may vary.

CONS:
-This microphone will pick up camera noise if mounted on the camera. The included shoe accessory to mount on your camera is absolutely useless if you want clean audio. I recommend using a shock mount if you have one (or better yet, a seperate mic stand).
-Despite the fact it can be mounted to the camera, it is in no way made for handheld work.The slightest bump of the camera or mic, will register as a loud thud in recorded audio.Using the zoom on certain cameras will be out of the question because it picks zoom motor noise and the sound of you pressing the buttons.
-Normal mode makes the audio sound compressed and unnatural compared to my camera's microphone.
-Tele mode does amplify the incoming audio significantly, but unfortunately doesn't filter out much of the noise that a directional microphone should.
-Not a professional level mic, by any means.If you have a $1000+ camera, this will be the weak link in your production.The Mic built into your prosumer (not consumer) camera probably works better.

PROS:
-Slightly more directional than my camera's microphone.
-Tele mode works well if your trying to capture the sounds of something further away than your camera mic would normally pick up. But be prepared to clean up audio in post to get rid of possibly unwanted ambient noise.
-The mic makes voices sound a bit clearer, but only in close range (no more than 10 feet away).
-An improvement if you have a very poor quality mic, or no mic at all.
-The simple fact that the mic is not attached to your camera means that you can place the mic close to your subject, even if you can't get the camera close.You'll need an extra long cable, of course.Make sure to place the cable in an area where it will not be bumped, because the cord can pic up reverberations if it's disturbed.

If I could do it again, I would have saved a bit more money to get a nicer mic in the $100-$200 range. This mic is really designed for amateur use only, as it sounds nowhere near broadcast quality. If your looking for a good mic to mount on the camera for handheld work, a nicer XLR mic would be a better bet. If I would have thought about it, I would have checked Youtube before I bought the mic, as there are many tests using this mic vs. other video mics. I would recommend trying that site to hear actual audio tests of this mic, and various other mics that Amazon sells- before you make a purchase.Also note, that this is a mono mic, so you'll need a mono to stereo adaptor if you'd like to hear this mic in both L&R channels.

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Product Description:
The ATR55 offers intelligible reproduction for close-, medium-, and long-distance pickup. In its "Tele" range setting, this cardioid condenser is engineered to pick up dialogue and sound effects at a distance, while bypassing ambient noise such as traffic, air-handling systems, room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations. Designed especially for use with video cameras.

Intelligible reproduction for close-, medium-, and long-distance pickup.
Includes microphone, camera mount, stand clamp, windscreen, battery and 1/4" phone plug adapter.
Designed Especially for Use With Video Cameras
Use the included camera mount to attach directly to your DV cam, plug into your camera and you're all set.
Two Range Settings
The ATR55 features two polar patterns for different ranges and pickup. The "Normal" cardioid pattern is ideal for for close- to medium-distance recording, whereas the more directional "Tele" supercardioid pattern is better suited for long-distance pickup.
3-Foot Cable
The permanently-attached 3-foot (0.9 m) cable is terminated with a 3.5 mm mini-plug.
ATR55 Specs

What's in the Box
ATR55 microphone, camera mount, pistol-grip stand clamp, foam windscreen, battery and 1/4" phone plug adapter

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